25 Best Holiday Cookies

Here’s a roundup of our favorite, tried and true cookie recipes for the holidays (and beyond, of course.) They can be made ahead of time and are freezer friendly.

The holiday season is synonymous with cookie baking, cookie freezing, and cookie eating. Here’s our delightful collection of tried-and-true cookie recipes that will dazzle everyone who tastes them. From family treats to homemade gifts, we hope these recipes will make the season that much brighter.

25 Days of Christmas Cookies (Plus 2 bonus gluten-free recipes) …

  1. These 4-Ingredient Pecan Sandies are even better than the store bought version we enjoyed as kids. Plus, they’re super easy to make at home using just 4 real ingredients.
pecan sandies, pecan shortbread cookies, pecan cookies
Buttery Pecan Sandies

2. Buttery Jam Thumbprint Cookies – Who knew jam thumbprint cookies would become the most pinned Christmas cookie on Pinterest, could we?

christmas cookie exchange recipes
Buttery Jam Thumbprint Cookies

3. Salted Caramel Kiss Cookies – These are THE cure for any cookie & caramel craving.  Soft, chewy, and made with the depth of browned butter.  Lightly sprinkled with flaked sea salt.  

Salted Caramel Kiss Cookies

4. Samoas Cookie Bars Recipe – These cookie bars are awesome all year round, but they’re certain to stand out amongst all the others on that Christmas cookie plate. Perfect for Girl Scout cookie lovers. (Pssst: these bars are totally better than boxed Samoa cookies, but let’s keep that between us.)

christmas cookie exchange recipes
Samoas Cookie Bars

5. Thick, Chewy Oatmeal Cookies (with or without icing) – these are every bit as thick and chewy as bakery cookies, and loaded with the goodness of rolled oats and plump raisins. Feel free to omit raisins or swap them out for chocolate chips.

BakeryStyle Oatmeal Cookies

6. Snickerdoodle Pudding Cookies – Snickerdoodles are must-haves in the world of Christmas cookies. These cinnamon sugar delights are extra chewy, with the addition of a little pudding in the dough. Not only does it provide elevated yum factor, it allows these cookies to stay chewy soft for days. Cinnamon chips not required, but highly recommended. 

christmas cookie exchange recipes

7. Chewy Soft Ginger Cookies – These ginger cookies are chewy and delicious, thanks to the combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. 

Chewy Ginger Cookies

8, Chewy Monster Cookie Bars (One-Bowl!) – Who’s on board with one-bowl cookie recipes? Especially when they’re in bar form, which makes them even easier. All you have to do is use Christmas colors for your M&M’s and you’ve got yourself the perfect holiday-edition monster cookies.

cookie exchange recipes christmas cookies
Switch out the M&M colors for the holidays

9. Best, Big Soft Sugar Cookies – Confession: I never liked sugar cookies or frosting (please still be my friend.) That is, until I met these big, soft, sugar cookies here. These are seriously the queen of sugar cookies. They’re reminiscent of famous Lofthouse sugar cookies, but these are Even. Better.

christmas cookie exchange recipes
Better than Lofthouse Sugar Cookies

10. Almond Blossoms (Kiss Cookies) – These delicious morsels are an amazing twist on the classic peanut butter kiss cookies. With a touch of almond extract and almond kisses, these Almond Blossoms are supremely yummy. Plus, they just look so darned cute. And people like cute cookies. 

christmas cookie exchange recipes
Almond Infused Kiss Cookies

11. Chewy Chocolate Brownie Cookies – Clearly, these chocolate brownie cookies are not just for the holidays. Although these chocolatey cookies are a hit anytime of year, they’re a [very] appreciated sight on any cookie platter.

christmas cookie exchange recipes
Cookies that remind you of brownies

12. One-Bowl Chewy Blondies Recipe (Cookie Bars) – These blondies. They’re the fail proof base for all my chewy blondie variations throughout the year. Think green and red for Christmas; pink and red for Valentines; red, white, and blue for 4th of July. Use this same chewy cookie base for all the celebrations. Someone literally came up and told me these blondies reminded her of the best thing her grandmother ever baked. 

christmas cookie exchange recipes
THE best blondies ever

13. Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe – These yummy morsels of buttery cookie, caramel centers, and chocolate drizzle are simply irresistible. Of course, you know these thumbprint cookies taste better than Twix. 

christmas cookie exchange recipes
Caramel Thumbprint Cookies taste like Twix

14. Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) – These snowball cookies might be the most humble cookies I had ever seen, before I tasted one. If looks can be deceiving, these cookies are the prime example. They’re HUGE on flavor and melt-in-your-mouth amazing. These little guys may actually be my very favorite Christmas cookie of all time.

snowball cookies, russian tea cakes, mexican wedding cakes, pecan balls
Melt-in-your-mouth Snowball Cookies

15. Carmelita Bars – Loaded with oats, coconut, and caramel, these Carmelita bars are an instant winner. Watch them disappear from the dessert table faster than you can say Carmelita. Just be sure to grab a few for yourself before they’re all gone. 

christmas cookie exchange recipes
Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars

16. Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Bars – It’s not a Christmas cookie exchange without white chocolate and cranberries. These Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Bars are somewhat akin to Starbuck’s Cranberry Bliss bars, but these aren’t quite as candy-heavy. A generous drizzle of white chocolate does the trick. It’s an irresistible combination of flavors. 

Cranberry Bars with White Chocolate

17. 3-Ingredient Buttery Shortbread Cookies – These are a great gift-giving option, as they keep super well and won’t melt like chocolate. People love receiving these buttery shortbread cookies all wrapped up in cellophane. That’s if your family doesn’t snatch them up first.

christmas cookie exchange recipes
Easy, Buttery Shortbread Cookies

18. Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies – these slightly crispy yet chewy cookies are piled mile-high with rolled oats.  The old-fashioned kind, not the quick cooking kind.  Make them while butterscotch chips are in season.

Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies

19. Perfect Vanilla Cut-Out Cookies – a buttery, chewy, tasty cut-out cookie that can be decorated to your heart’s content.

Vanilla Cut-Out Cookies

20. Chewy Coconut Macaroon Cookies – This 5-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons Recipe yields cookies that are crisp on the outside and chewy in the center. They’re sure to be an instant hit with all the coconut lovers in your life.

Coconut Macaroon Cookies

21. Soft Batch Funfetti Cookies – festive, delicious, and a plate of cheerfulness. The dough can be made ahead and chilled until ready to bake. Great way to bring on the fun!

Soft Batch Funfetti Cookies

22. White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Cookies – The addition of a secret ingredient makes them superb. Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze beautifully.

white chocolate macadamia cookies
White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies

23. Orange Chocolate Lace Cookie – these crispy, buttery cookies are an oldie but goodie. They’re fun to make and even better to eat.

orange lace cookies
Crisp, Buttery Orange Lace Cookies

24. Christmas M&M Cookies, soft-batch style, without being cakey. These keep incredibly well at room temperature for days, and can also be frozen.

Chewy Soft Christmas M&M Cookies

25. Double Chocolate Biscotti Cookies – For those mornings or afternoons when you can stay in and sip on a hot mug of coffee or tea… bring in these double chocolate Biscotti cookies.  They are the perfect dunking cookie.

Crispy Sweet Biscotti Cookies

Bonus: Gluten-Free Cookies

christmas cookie exchange recipes
Chocolate Chip Cookies that are secretly gluten-free

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies that happen to be gluten and dairy free are oh-so-satisfying. Loaded with big peanut butter flavor.

Peanut Butter oatmeal Cookies Gluten-Free
Chewy Peanut Butter Oat Cookies

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  • Cozy up this Fall with this hearty and healthy butternut squash chilli! Gather the family for a new favorite Fall meal! 🍁✨ Save this post! Full recipe below! 👇 (For Printable Recipe Card and Notes: https://www.chewoutloud.com/butternut-squash-chili-5/) Ingredients: 2 TB olive oil 1 onion, diced 7 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tsp sugar 1 TB chili powder 1 TB ground cumin 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp oregano 2 tsp ground coriander 1 lb ground turkey 3 TB tomato paste 2 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped 2 cans, 14.5 oz each fire-roasted tomatoes, with juices 2 cups chicken or turkey broth 2 14 oz each cans black beans, rinsed well and drained 1 medium butternut squash, peeled/seeded, and cubed into 1/2 inch pieces kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper shredded cheddar cheese for topping, optional Instructions: In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil until hot. Add onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sugar, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, and coriander. Stir to combine, 10 seconds. Add ground turkey to pot and sprinkle 1 tsp salt over it; cook/stir to break up into small pieces. When turkey is cooked through, add tomato paste and stir 30 seconds. Add bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes with juices, and broth. Scrape bottom of pan while stirring. Bring chili to a simmer; simmer covered for 20 minutes. Add beans and squash. Bring chili back to a simmer and simmer covered another 20 minutes or just until squash is tender but not mushy. Remove from heat. Add additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm, with shredded cheddar if desired. #fallrecipe #fallrecipes #fallflavors #easyentertaining #fallfood #autumnrecipe #fallentertaining #pumpkinspice #appleseason #bhgfood #imsomartha #mywilliamsonoma #surlatable #bhgcelebrate #onthetable #beautifulcuisines #tastesoftheseason #bhgfood #bhghowiholiday #imsomartha #f52grams #food52 #eatseasonal #foodnetwork #bhg
  • Who's a chocolate lover?? ✋🍫 Indulgently rich, this chocolate zucchini cake is surprisingly healthy too! It has the perfect balance of moisture and rich chocolate flavors that satisfy your sweet tooth! ✨ Save this post! Full recipe below! 👇 (For Printable Recipe Card and Notes: https://www.chewoutloud.com/chocolate-zucchini-cake-8/) Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour 2 ½ cups granulated sugar ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tsp instant coffee granules, decaf is fine 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp table salt 4 large eggs 1 ⅓ cups canola oil 3 cups zucchini, finely grated and loosely packed 1 cup mini chocolate chips, semi-sweet (mini's are best, as they melt into the cake well) Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or frosting of your choice Instructions: Preheat oven to 350F, with rack on lower middle position. Grease and flour a 9×13 baking pan. Set aside. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, coffee granules, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine well. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add oil, zucchini, and mini chocolate chips. Stir to combine well. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold together the flour mixture with the egg mixture. Fold gently just until no more dry streaks of flour remain; do not overmix. Bake 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few tender crumbs attached (be sure to test in a cake-only spot; cracked spots tend to be misleading, since melted chocolate chips sit in those cracks.) Cool cake completely in pan before slicing and serving. If desired, decorate cake with powdered sugar or frosting of your choice #freshlybaked #bakinglove #foodphotography #bakersofinstagram #eaaaaats #bakingclass #bakingaddiction #bakingday #bakingisfun #bakingcookies #bakingcooking #baking101 #bakingislove #feedfeed #feedfeedbaking #feedfeedchocolate #bakersgonnabake #appetitejournal #bakeandshare #chocolatelover #chocolovers #tastingtable #thebakefeed
  • The perfect combination of salty and sweet! Deep roasted flavors and a sprinkle of brown sugar make these healthy brussels sprouts and butternut squash irresistible! ✨ Save this post! Full recipe below! 👇 (For Printable Recipe Card and Notes: https://www.chewoutloud.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts-butternut-squash/) Ingredients: 1 lb fresh brussels sprouts, stem removed, cut in half 2 ½ cups freshly peeled/cubed, 1"cubes butternut squash 5 TB olive oil 2 TB brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon ¾ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper Instructions: Preheat oven to 425F, with rack on upper middle position. On a large baking sheet with rims, toss together all ingredients until vegetables are well coated with seasoning and oil. Roast about 30 minutes, or until nicely browned. (Oven temps vary, so just watch and remove when the vegetables are tender and browned.) If needed, add salt and pepper to taste. #makeitdelicious #scrumptiouskitchen #bhgcelebrate #onthetable #dailyfoodpic #homemade #hereismyfood #whatsonmyplate #getinmybelly #foodblogfeed #lovefood #igfoodies #instafood #instayum #easyrecipes #foodblogeats #imsomartha #mywilliamsonoma #abmfoodie #whatweeat #makemore #f52grams #f52community #tohfoodie #eatsharerepeat #foodblogeats
  • Soft and chewy, these apple cookies envelop your tastebuds in warmth and Fall flavor! 🍎 The caramel drizzle on top is just enough flair to make them extra special! ✨ Save this post! Full recipe below! 👇 (For Printable Recipe Card and Notes: https://www.chewoutloud.com/soft-apple-oatmeal-cookies/) Ingredients: 10 TB salted butter, softened (not melty) ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed 2 TB maple syrup 1 egg, large 1 egg yolk 2 TB whole milk 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 ½ cups all purpose flour ¾ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt 1 ½ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg 1 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats, dry 2 Granny Smith apples, grated (use large holes) and squeezed dry ½ cup soft caramel candies 1 TB water Instructions: Preheat oven to 325F, with rack on middle or lower middle position. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In bowl of electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 1-2 min. Add maple syrup, egg, egg yolk, milk, and vanilla. Beat on low until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add rolled oats to flour mixture and whisk together. Using wooden or rubber spatula, fold wet ingredients with dry ingredients. Stir in grated apples until fully incorporated. If dough is sticky, chill 30 min to an hour. Form rounded 1 tablespoons of dough 2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake 11-13 minutes, or just until lightly golden; don’t overbake. Cookies will set upon cooling. Transfer warm cookies to wire rack and let cool. Place caramels and water in small heavy saucepan. Stir continuously over low heat until melted and smooth. Let rest a bit until it’s no longer too hot to handle. Using fork or Ziploc baggie with tiny hole cut out of the corner, drizzle warm caramel over cooled cookies. Be careful – melted caramel is hot! #bakingfromscratch #bakingfun #f52grams #kitchn #feedfeedbaking #bakemyday #baketheworldabetterplace #bakinglove #bakingwithlove #bakersofinstagram #abmfoodie #tastemade #tryitordiet #eatfortheinsta #sweeeeets #forthemaking #rsloves #thekitchn #dessertoftheday #shareyourtable #makemore #bakedgoods #thebakefeed #bakersofig
  • Save this post for your next BBQ craving! 🍖 Forgot the grill! Fall-off-the-bone ribs are yours anytime of the year! Learn how to make ribs in the oven, with incredibly tender and succulent results. Smoky, sweet, and tangy blueberry BBQ sauce is fun, festive, and a mouthwatering twist on a classic! 🫐✨ Save this post! Full recipe below! 👇 (For Printable Recipe Card and Notes: https://www.chewoutloud.com/blueberry-bbq-baked-ribs-500-gift-card-giveaway/) Ingredients: 2 racks uncooked ribs, Baby Back or St. Louis both work well Dry Rub: ½ cup brown sugar, packed 1 ½ tsp paprika 1 TB kosher salt 1 ½ TB freshly ground black pepper ½ tsp cayenne ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp onion powder Sauce: 1 ½ cups honey BBQ sauce, your favorite bottled or homemade ½ cup blueberries, fresh or frozen 2 TB liquid smoke Instructions: Dry: Pat dry the racks of ribs with paper towels. Season: In a bowl, whisk together all dry rub ingredients well. Pat and press dry rub onto both sides of rib racks. Tightly wrap each individual rack of ribs in foil. Place in a single layer on a large baking sheet and let sit in fridge overnight. Bake: Preheat oven to 300F. Bake foil-wrapped ribs on baking sheet for 2 1/2 hours. Sauce: During last half hour of cook time: combine sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Use spatula to break apart some of the berries. The sauce will thicken nicely. Cover and keep warm. Broil: Let ribs cool enough to handle and remove foil. Discard juices. Brush ribs generously with BBQ sauce, reserving a bit of sauce for serving. Broil on high for 5 minutes or just until tops are nicely browned. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn. Slice ribs and serve warm. #makeitdelicious #scrumptiouskitchen #bhgcelebrate #onthetable #dailyfoodpic #homemade #hereismyfood #whatsonmyplate #getinmybelly #foodblogfeed #lovefood #igfoodies #instafood #instayum #easyrecipes #foodblogeats #imsomartha #mywilliamsonoma #abmfoodie #whatweeat #makemore #f52grams #f52community #tohfoodie #eatsharerepeat #foodblogeats
  • The perfect balance of whole, nutritious ingredients create the ultimate lemon zucchini bread! 🍋 Enjoy it any time of day! ✨ Save this post! Full recipeSave this post! Full recipe#bakersofig below! 👇 (For Printable Recipe Card and Notes: https://www.chewoutloud.com/moist-lemon-zucchini-bread/) Ingredients: For the Bread: 1 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 tsp lemon extract ½ cup canola or vegetable oil 1 ½ cups freshly shredded zucchini zest of one extra-large lemon 1 ½ cups all purpose flour 2 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp table salt ½ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp baking powder For the Icing: 1 cup powder sugar 1 TB freshly squeezed lemon juice Optional: extra lemon zest for topping Instructions: Preheat oven to 350F with oven rack on lower middle position. Grease and flour a 9×4 inch loaf pan. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, lemon extract, and oil. Stir in zucchini and lemon zest until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold wet mixture with dry mixture just until no white flour streaks remain; do not over work the batter. Pour batter into greased/floured pan. Bake 45 minutes or just until a toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean, with a few tender crumbs attached (not fully clean.) Allow bread to cool in pan on a wire rack 15-30 min. To make the icing, combine the powder sugar with lemon juice and whisk until incorporated. Add more powdered sugar if it's too runny. Add a bit more lemon juice if it's too thick. Once it's to your desired consistency, place in a Ziploc bag and cut off a tiny bit of the corner to make a drizzle-pouch. Carefully remove warm bread from pan and place on serving platter. Drizzle icing over the bread, allowing it to soak into warm bread. If desired, sprinkle top with extra lemon zest. Wait until bread is completely cool before slicing. #bakingfromscratch #bakingfun #f52grams #kitchn #feedfeedbaking #bakemyday #baketheworldabetterplace #bakinglove #bakingwithlove #bakersofinstagram #abmfoodie #tastemade #tryitordiet #eatfortheinsta #sweeeeets #forthemaking